Author note: I am a very bad person. I'm so sorry for not updating sooner. I won't beat around the bush with apologies and pleas, without further ado here's another chapter for you lovely folk. Review responses are at the end. The good news is I'm almost done writing it and so I'm hoping to get this story finished by the end of this month. Promise!

Disclaimer: I do not own Teen Titans or any characters from the DC Universe. Please note that some storylines may have changed from their original ones for the purposes of this story.

Chapter Thirty-Seven – Teams and Comrades

"What?" said Beast Boy, his emerald eyes perking up at the mention of their two nemeses. "How we beat them? Dude, we don't even know where the heck they are!"

"Agreed!" echoed the Tameranean, flicking her fiery mane out of her eyes and looking at Robin warily. "How can we be doing the beating of them if we don't know where they are hiding?"

"My guess is your boyfriend has a pretty good idea where they're hidin', Star," reasoned Cyborg, folding his arms and taking a seat on the couch. "Am I close, birdy?"

"Close, but wrong," smirked Robin, folding his own arms and leaning back against the window. "Right idea. Wrong bird."

Everyone turned to look at Raven, who had been remarkably quiet during this whole exchange. Her eyes were still closed as she held her tea mug tightly, but they flickered open as she felt everyone's gaze landing on her. She rolled her eyes. "Yes, he's talking about me."

"Wait a minute, you know where Terra and Slade are, Rae?" asked Beast Boy, incredulously. There was a slight sense of frustration in his voice. "How come you didn't tell me?"

Raven placed her mug down on the table and sighed deeply. "It's been a strange few days. We were slightly distracted Gar, wouldn't you say?"

The changeling considered this for a moment before sighing himself. He shrugged, defeated. "I guess so."

The empath placed her hand on Beast Boy's shoulder gently and felt him relax. Smiling at him reassuringly, she turned towards the rest of the team. "Look, I'm not one hundred percent sure. But with the support of J'onn I was able to focus my visions from Rina and I noticed something. A clue."

"What is this clue, friend?" asked Starfire, floating above the sofa and tilting her head. "Please do tell us!"

"Raven saw an emblem in one of her visions of Slade and Terra, and it gives us a pretty significant idea where they could be," chipped in Robin, meeting Raven's eyes. She nodded as he continued. "I certainly think it's clear indication that they're most likely still here in Jump."

"The logo read LexCorp," stated Raven, lowering her eyes as the others turned to face her. "The fact that we saw Terra so recently, and her comment about seeing us soon suggests to me that they are operating out of one the LexCorp buildings here in the City."

Cyborg was already typing frantically into his arm, his red eye scanning the projections. "Hmm. Sources indicate that there are four LexCorp constructions in Jump."

"Locations?" asked Robin, his voice calm and low. "Nearby landmarks?"

"There is one that's right in the centre opposite a law firm of some kind. The second one is a factory on the eastern-most edge of the City lookin' out across the desert. Third one looks to be not too far from here, near a school or educational faculty of some kind," listed the cybernetic man, speaking rapidly as the images flashed across his screen. "The last one is right at the top of Jump, looks like it borders the ocean. Lookin' out over a—"

"Lighthouse," cut in the empath, quietly. She picked up her mug again and took a sip. Cyborg's eyes looked up at her in surprise as he nodded. Raven met his eyes and returned his nod firmly. "That's the one."

"Friend Raven, how did you know that there would be a house of light?" asked Starfire, looking a bit bemused. Raven met her eyes and smiled kindly at her friend.

"I remember seeing it from the window, Kori. It was dark in the vision, but there was a shaft of light hitting the glass," replied the Azarathian, her lilac eyes still looking firm. "It's got to be that place, none of the others fit the description."

Robin rubbed his chin with his gloved hand pensively. "If you're right, then that has to be where they are. But something has been bothering me all night. Why would they be at a LexCorp building?"

"LexCorp's owned by Lex Luthor, right? Isn't he some kind of business tycoon?" asked Beast Boy, running his hand through his green hair. "Something to do with the JLA?"

"Right," confirmed Cyborg, nodding. "Like Rob said, it doesn't make any sense. What does Lex Luthor have to do with Slade and Terra's operation?"

There was a silence as the Titans digested this information. Suddenly, a lightbulb went off in the empath's mind as several dots connected. She swallowed her tea and put the mug down with a bang that made everyone jump. Her monotone voice cut through the silence. "Robin. You mentioned that the SS were trying to set up some kind of genetic metahuman experiment to use as a weapon, right?"

"Sure, that's what the intel from the JLA and Batman suggests," confirmed the leader, his eyes narrowing. "Why?"

"Well, paying someone like Dr. Morrow and the rest of the SS to do what's needed...that takes funds, right? Who has more funds than—"

"Lex Luthor," interrupted Robin, his eyes widening beneath the mask. He paled, as the realisation hit him. "He must want to use the experiment to take down Superman and the JLA. If that's true, it's an investment."

"Friends, I am most confused," stated Star, her eyes looking blankly at them. "Raven, are you suggesting that Mr. Luthor is part of the SS?"

"That's exactly what I'm suggesting," nodded Raven, her violet eyes looking gloomy. "Which means that Slade and Terra will have back up. Lots of back up."

"That's...not gonna be fun, right?" jested the changeling, rubbing the back of his head and giving a weak smile. "I mean, those two on their own is a problem. With the Slade bots helping them out, it's a big problem. But with a metahuman experiment thingy its—"

"Suicide," finished Robin, taking a deep breath. He exhaled and looked up at the team who were all looking at him expectantly. "We need a plan."

"What we need is back up of our own," acknowledged Cyborg, standing to his feet. "This is too big for the five of us. B's right, man. Ain't no way we can go into this situation on our own. Prepared or not."

"I am inclined to agree with the sentiments of friend Cyborg," confirmed Starfire, her eyes shining. "We are all brave warriors, but I fear that even with our new battle plans our combined strength would prove futile against such a formidable foe."

"Know your enemy and know yourself and you can fight a hundred battles without disaster'," quoted Raven, wisely. Everyone looked at her blankly and she sighed, defeated. "Sun Tzu? The Art of War? Do none of you ever read, seriously?"

The others looked at each other blankly. She pushed her hair out of her eyes and muttered under her breath. "Azar help me. What I was driving at is the fact that Cyborg is right; we need to evade disaster by doubling our efforts. We need to enlist extra team members."

"What about the other Titans?" asked Beast Boy, as everyone turned towards him. "I mean, won't they help us out?"

"Whilst that's definitely a good idea, Beast Boy," nodded Robin, his face still looking grim. "I'm not sure it's going to be enough."

"What about the JLA? Didn't Batman suggest they would help us out when we needed them?" reasoned Raven, her voice still low and monotone. "Robin, if there ever was a time where we need help, this is it."

"I know. But there's no way that the JLA will come down here," sighed Robin, feeling a sense of defeat before the battle had even begun. "From what Batman told me at our last meeting, they're already busy trying to defeat the rest of the SS."

"Rob, if you're seriously suggestin' what I think you're suggestin', we need all the help we can get," stated Cyborg, firmly. "You gotta make the call, whatever the outcome."

Robin looked at the defiant expressions on all of the Titan's faces. They were determined to fulfil their roles, even in the face of such impossible adversity. He felt a sudden sense of pride at how far his ragtag team had come over the years. Despite his identity crisis, he wouldn't let them down. His eyes rested on the empath. He suddenly remembered her current situation and felt a pang of fear hit him. "Raven..."

"I'll be fine," stated Raven firmly, grasping the meaning in his tone right away. Her violet eyes met his masked ones and he felt himself shrink slightly. The young woman could wither people with a look when she wanted to, and despite everything she was resolute in her decision. "The fact that I am pregnant changes nothing. Rina sent me these visions because she wanted us to see what the future holds. She warned me about the danger so that I could protect you. I'm not going to let her down now. Not after everything we've been through."

Beast Boy looked at his wife, his eyes shining with pride. She really was an impressive woman. Her courage would remain until the end. It was one of the many things he loved about her. "Rae's right. We've all got to stick together. I won't risk losing you. Any of you."

"Green bean has got a point," conceded Cy, nodding. "We gotta work this out together."

"Agreed," smiled Starfire, her eyes glowing green. She turned her illuminated orbs towards her boyfriend and titled her head. "Robin?"

Robin met her eyes and felt his love for her washing over him. He looked back around the team. His love and protective feelings for them all hit him like a tidal wave. He nodded. "Alright, Titans. I'll make the call."

Two hours later

Raven and Beast Boy sat in ops waiting for the rest of the team to return from their respective duties. The changeling sighed as he put his communicator away.

"Well, Titans South said that they can spare Hot Spot. He's heading out here today, should be with us in a few hours."

"Good," remarked Raven, also letting out a deep sigh as she put her own communicator away. "Argent is coming too; she's just sent a message to say that she's heading over as soon as she can. The rest of Titans North are caught up on other missions."

Starfire burst through the doors to ops, flying towards the sofa at speed. "Friends! I have spoken with Jinx and Kid Flash. They are both coming across to our Tower immediately! They wish to support our cause."

"Okay, so that makes an extra four," counted Beast Boy on his hands. "Meaning that there's nine of us. Will that be enough?"

"Hard to say," replied Raven, narrowing her lilac eyes. "We don't have any idea what will be waiting for us at the other end."

Cyborg entered ops, shoving his communicator back into a compartment. "Y'all, I just got off the phone to Bee. She's comin' over with Aqualad, whilst Mas y Menos and Speedy hold the fort back at Titans East. They'll be here soon."

Raven noted the strange tone in his voice, but she knew that she had no choice but to ignore it. These were desperate times, and everyone on the team knew it. Personal feelings needed to be put to one side whilst the plans were being made.

"Eleven," counted the changeling, nodding towards the two female Titans. "Getting better."

"Where is Robin?" asked Starfire, floating down to the floor and tilting her head enquiringly. "Is he still speaking with Bruce?"

The Azarathian nodded, her long violet locks swaying. "Yeah, he's been out there this whole time whilst we've been ringing round the others."

"Oh man, that can't be good," acknowledged Cy, shaking his head. "Y'all, even with all the other Titans...I'm worried. This ain't some kid's fight with Dr Light or Control Freak. The SS mean business, and LexCorp bein' involved means—"

"Means that we have to do something soon," interrupted Raven, firmly. She stood to her feet. "Cyborg, if we don't act now then Terra and Slade could destroy the whole City. Then help the SS to destroy the whole planet. We have to stop them. We have to do our part. For the City. For the world."

"At what cost?" asked Cy, turning to face her slowly. "Losing one of the Titans? All of the Titans? All of our friends?"

"That's not going to happen," growled Raven, her eyes glowing red. "We can't sit back and wait for them to make their move."

"Raven is correct," added Starfire, her green eyes glowing to match her friend's red ones. "We must make them pay for what happened to our City. We must prevent further loss of lives, no matter the concerns we may hold."

"Y'all, I want to do that as much as you do. I'm just bein' realistic here," replied Cy, holding his hands up to the two angry female Titans defensively. "I just don't want to risk any of y'all gettin' hurt."

"Cy, bro," chipped in Beast Boy, walking over and placing his hand on Cyborg's shoulder to calm him. "We all feel the same way. Look, we're all scared right now. Scared of losing each other, scared of making a mistake. But remember what Bruce said to us – sticking together as a team is the one thing that they won't expect. We have to show them that even though we're scared, even though we know the cost, we won't back down. This isn't about us anymore, dude. It's about what's right and what's wrong. You get it?"

Cyborg paused, as the changeling's deep words hit home. He nodded, sadly. Raven walked over and placed her arm on his other shoulder, her red eyes receding as she did so. "Beast Boy is right, we need to stick together and be strong. Who knows what could be waiting for us?"

"We must not argue!" agreed Starfire, smiling. She wandered over and wrapped her arms around the empath and the changeling. "We must work together. All of us."

"All of us, and a few more," came a low voice from behind them. The rudimentary group hug broke apart at the sound of their leader's deep tones. Robin smiled, a sense of victory on his lips. "Back up is on its way."

It took two days to get everyone assembled. In between the arrival of the mismatched team members, the Titans had to deal with Mad Mod, Mumbo Jumbo and Overload in quick succession. Feeling literally and metaphorically frazzled from their most recent fight, the Titans were gathered in ops, as the other superheroes filtered into the room. Once everyone was accounted for, Robin and Batman addressed the group in front of the main screen.

"Thank you all for coming," began Robin, his voice cool and low. "We know how busy everyone is with their own problems, but this is an issue which affects all of us in one way or another."

"For some time, the JLA has been following the movements of the Secret Society with great concern," added Batman, pressing a button which brought up the various society members on the screen. There was chattering amongst the assemblage as both familiar and unfamiliar faces became visible. Batman raised his hand to silence the group, who obliged obediently. "There are villains here you will know well. There are others who are still a mystery. There are some which cannot be included due to their identity still being unknown. The point is, the reach of the SS goes far and beyond what one superhero or a small team can handle. Which brings us to why we have gathered you all here today. Robin?"

Robin nodded, taking a deep breath as he tried to dissociate himself from his raw emotions. He tried not to meet Star's piercing gaze, but knowing she was looking at him at least brought some comfort. The mismatched team all looked at him expectantly, as he began to speak. "Our team here in Jump City had an incident a little over a month ago involving two individuals who have connections to the SS; Slade Wilson, also known as Deathstroke and the former Titan Terra Markov. The devastation that was caused in our City by these two was...regrettable."

Raven glanced over at Beast Boy and saw his jaw tighten and his fist clench. She gently touched his shoulder and watched as he relaxed a little and gave her a reassuring smile. She wasn't convinced she believed it altogether, but in honesty she felt great resonance with the changeling's sentiment. Glancing around the rest of her team, she knew they all did. Even Robin, who was trying to keep it together at this integral point, was suffering in silence. She recited her mantra in her mind and tried to focus on the task at hand, putting her thoughts to one side for the time being. Terra was a sore subject for the team, and everyone in the room knew it.

"As you may have surmised, they are working together. But they are more well connected than we could have ever imagined," continued Robin, unaware of the empath's complex thought process. He pressed a button which brought up the unmistakable LexCorp logo. A few gasps and mutters erupted in the group again. Batman stepped in, physically moving himself in front of Robin and closer to the group.

"I know this may be shocking to some of you, but please try to listen," Bruce scalded, his voice still calm and low. "We have reason to believe that Terra and Slade are connected to Lex Luthor and therefore that he has connections to the SS directly. You are all aware what the inclusion of such a wealthy asset means to such a group. It means resources."

"Exactly. Other research that was conducted by Batman and the JLA suggests that the SS are creating a supervillain from genetic material. Genetic material collected from superheroes comprising various teams across the world. To be clear, an attempt was made on Raven some months ago, which very nearly led to the destruction of our team to this effect," explained Robin, trying to keep everything on track before the inevitable barrage of questions followed. "You all know what it would mean for humanity if this was to happen. All of our Cities, our loved ones, those we are sworn to protect could all be systematically wiped out."

"Robin's right," came a familiar female voice from the back of the team. Standing to her full height, Diana Prince walked to the front of the group to join Batman and Robin. Her long dark hair swayed as she walked, the gold in her outfit glinting in the morning sunlight. Starfire let out a small gasp of admiration. She knew of Diana and had admired her for many years. Such a warrior would be revered on Tamaran; an excellent role model and a person to respect. Starfire noted that the Amazonian had a beauty that was unrivalled. Her face was stern and wise, but her blue eyes were kind and her presence calm. The rest of the gathered heroes all lulled into silence as she began to address them.

"I have had dealings with the SS for some years now," said Wonder Woman, her fists clenching as she spoke. "They are not to be underestimated. They are a very real and very powerful threat to us all. I have reason to believe that the SS are after my very being for the embodiment of their creation, so I urge you to take what my comrades are saying very seriously."

Diana paused, turning her eyes towards Batman who gave the smallest of smiles and nods to her. She returned the gesture before continuing her speech. "Slade and Terra have some part to play, of this I'm certain. If it is to do with Lex Luthor then you can rest assured, it will be important work. As such, we must do all that we can to halt their devious plan before it's too late."

"That's all well and good, but what evidence do you have that Slade and Terra have direct involvement with the SS?" came a pointed question from the group. Everyone turned to see who had challenged Wonder Woman's judgement, to be greeted by a familiar pale face staring out at them. Jinx flicked her pink hair self-consciously and fixed the team with a glare. "What? You were all thinking it."

There were a few grumbles from the room, but Wonder Woman spoke before they had chance to start squabbling. "That is an excellent question, sister. The truth is that we have some inside information that has been feeding our intel on this mission. Raven?"

The empath felt her face grow even paler at the mention of her name. Raven's stomach twisted with anxiety; she hated being the centre of attention. Be it press conferences, dealing with the public or one of Bruce's big fancy affairs; it was not her forte. She felt all eyes in the room turn in her general direction and she swallowed. Rising to her feet slowly, she took a deep breath and turned to face everyone. Her hood was firmly in place, lilac eyes shining out like torches.

"The story in its entirety is too long and complex to explain," started the Azarathian, twisting her fingers beneath her cloak, where no one could see. "But in essence, what Wonder Woman is referring to is a series of visions that I have received. They suggest that Slade and Terra are not only involved but are in fact members of the SS themselves."

"So, we're basing all of this off your freaky nightmares?" asked Jinx sarcastically, quirking her pink eyebrow. Raven closed her eyes to calm herself and reopened them slowly.

"They're not nightmares Jinx, they are visions," emphasised the empath, as calmly as she could. "They have been sent to me from the future by someone who has lived this reality before. Someone who knows the outcome if we do not deal with this very real threat in a timely manner."

"Someone from the future? Who?" came the inquisitive voice of Kid Flash, who had been uncharacteristically quiet from his seat next to the pink sorceress. Raven felt her stomach lurch again, until Robin stepped forward and placed a hand on her shoulder. His eyes were narrowed beneath his mask.

"That's not important right now, Kid Flash. We have every faith in Raven's visions and in the source from where they came. If it's evidence you're after, then know that they have been corroborated by J'onn J'onnz himself," replied the leader, his voice firm and commanding. Raven felt an instant relief seeping over her. People mumbled conspiratorially at the mention of the Martian Manhunter's name. He was not a being that was often questioned in terms of his reliability. "Terra and Slade are working with the SS and Lex Luthor. The question is how we deal with them. We can't do it alone and we need your help. Ultimately, what we are asking is that you trust our judgement. If you're unable to do that then you are free to leave."

Raven was slightly startled by the authoritative tone of her friend. He would gladly support his team until the end, but it was rare that he would speak so defiantly and freely when the Dark Knight was in his presence. She filed away her thoughts for later, as they seemed significant somehow. For the time being, she was grateful for the support, and she lifted her chin to match his defiance. "Robin's right. We're asking for your help. You know the stakes; you know the risks. The choice is yours. Are you in, or are you out?"

There was some more murmuring around the room. Batman's voice cut through the room once more. He made his allegiances clear. "You know that you have the support of the JLA in the form of myself and Wonder Woman for the duration of the mission."

Diana nodded, firmly. She looked over at the boy wonder with a smile on her face. "We are at your disposal, Titans."

Robin met her eyes with his own and allowed a grateful smile. Raven mimicked his actions, looking over at Bruce and nodding appreciatively. Starfire stood to her feet.

"You know that I am with the team until the end," stated the Tameranean, her voice full of purpose and determination. Beast Boy was on his feet a moment later, his emerald eyes locking with Raven's lilac ones. A connection passed between them as he spoke.

"What she said," chirped the changeling, lightly. Cyborg's arm shifted into a plasma cannon, his red eye flashing in the sunshine.

"We're Titans forever, man. That's just the way it is," smiled the cybernetic man, giving his team a deliberate look. He turned his attention out towards the rest of the room. "Well, y'all? Are you gonna help us or not?"

"As far as I'm concerned, you're all part of my family," came a quiet voice from the back of the room. A buzzing sound followed, and a recognisable figure raised into the air and flew to the front of ops deftly. Bumblebee landed next to Cy, giving him a dazzling smile. He returned it, a twinge of sadness in his human eye. Karen turned her eyes out towards the group. "I trust this team with my life. If they say they need my help, I'm in. Aqualad?"

Garth quietly stood up and walked to her side, nodding. He didn't say anything. He didn't have to. Aqualad had history with the Titans; he wasn't about to betray any of them in their time of need. The group of standing team members was growing. Eyes turned out to the rest. There was a palpable silence.

"Oh, what the hell," sighed Jinx, standing to her feet slowly. "For the record, I think taking on Lex Luthor is a terrible idea. But I know what Slade and Terra are capable of. I know that I want to be on the right side of the fight. Miss Buzzy is right. We have history, Titans. So, for what it's worth, I'm in. Which means so are you, Wally."

Kid Flash gave an indignant look before shrugging helplessly, a grin on his face. "Yeah, she's right. I'm in."

Argent and Hotspot gave each other a look and stood to their feet, joining the throng of heroes that was gathered in the small room. Batman gave a small smile, before turning his gaze towards Robin. "A full set. How about that."

Robin met his gaze and nodded in understanding. Bruce was making reference to his cryptic comment; the very comment that the changeling had recalled a few days prior. It was still baffling to the Dark Knight how Robin was able to manage these things in a way that he couldn't. Batman had realised early on that he was better suited to being a solo act. His gaze acknowledged that this wasn't necessarily the case for his young protégé. Their unspoken conversation finished for the time being, the two looked towards the room. Robin pushed a button, and the LexCorp building on the coast was shown to the group.

"Glad to have you all on board. Now, here's the plan..."

Review replies:

Sanzojoe – Thanks for your review! I absolutely agree, I think it's probably the only way it would be possible too. I like the idea of Robin morphing into Nightwing and the process he goes through, rather than it just being a decision of "Oh, I'm done with being Robin now." There are a lot of feelings associated with it, loss and everything else. I hope you enjoy the rest of the story!

Azarath Cat – Oh thank you so much! I hope that you continue to enjoy it. We're almost done. The next few chapters will be longer and then there may be an epilogue, we'll see. All in all, I hope to be finished very soon.

Anonymoose – Whenever you get to this point – thanks for the compliment! Not long to go now and I look forward to reading your review once the story is done. Enjoy!